Waterfowl

Migration Patterns - Flyways

The term "flyway" has long been
used to designate the migration routes of
birds. For management purposes, four
waterfowl flyways—Pacific, Central, Mississippi,
and Atlantic—were established in the United States
in 1948. To varying degrees the waterfowl populations
using each of these flyways differ in abundance, species
composition, migration pathways, and breeding ground
origin. There are differences, also, in levels of shooting
pressure and harvest.

For the most part flyway boundaries follow state lines.
However, the boundary between the Pacific and the
Central flyway general follows the Continental Divide.

There are some problems in matching waterfowl
migration corridors with flyway boundaries because
some species nest and winter in areas that do not occur
along a north-south axis. These species cross flyway
boundaries during migration. On balance, the present
arrangement is useful in that it permits reasonable
management of waterfowl. At some future time, it is
possible that further rearrangement of boundaries may
permit better management of the waterfowl resource.

Flyway CouncilsFlyway Councils
In 1952, Flyway Councils were formed in each of the
four flyways. The Council in each flyway is made up
of representatives from the wildlife agencies of the
states in that flyway—one representative from each
state. The Councils study flyway problems, develop
waterfowl management recommendations, and
generally work closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service in implementing waterfowl management and
research programs.

Plumage

Changes in Plumage

Most ducks shed their body
feathers twice each year.
Nearly all drakes lose their
bright plumage after mating,
and for a few weeks resemble
females. This hen-like appearance
is called the eclipse plumage. The
return to breeding coloration varies
with each species and in individuals
of each species. Blue-winged teal and
shovelers may retain the eclipse
plumage until well into the
winter.

Wing feathers are shed only once
a year; wing colors are always
the same.

Waterfowl information is courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Duck Stamp Office Presents North American Waterfowl